Welcome. The purpose of this podcast and it's blog is to help educate and empower those who have or had a loved one in prison. Raising awareness one story at a time. Did you know that the chances are very high that someone you know has had a loved one incarcerated? Or maybe you are part of the millions of people in the US population who has had a loved one in the prison system? This Podcast is for you. Indirectly we are all affected, and if you have a loved one in prison you are probably doing…
Prison, incarceration, and death row are often viewed through headlines—but what happens when love grows in a place most people never expect? In this powerful conversation, Gigi Taylor shares her unconventional love story with her husband, Michael, a man who has spent more than two decades incarcerated, including years on death row. Their relationship challenges the assumptions and stigma often…
Prison doesn't just incarcerate one person—it changes countless lives. In this heartfelt episode of Prison: The Hidden Sentence, Rebecca shares what it's like raising her daughter while her husband is incarcerated. She opens up about the loneliness of parenting alone, who she can trust with their story, balancing the challenges her husband faces in prison with the needs of their family, and why…
What really happens during a prison visit? Most people never see beyond the security gates—however every visit leaves a lasting impact. In this powerful recorded theatrical experience, you'll step into one prison visit through the eyes of those living it: a child, a grandmother, an incarcerated parent, a registration staff member, and a correctional officer. Inspired by the real experiences of…
Prison changed the course of Jay Rutherford's life—but what he did after his release is what makes his story unforgettable. In this episode of Prison: The Hidden Sentence, host Julia Lazareck sits down with Jay Rutherford , a New Jersey advocate who knows the system from the inside out, having served time himself before dedicating his life to lifting others up. Jay opens up about his own journey…
When their son's arrest shattered their world, Dale and Karen were thrust into an unfamiliar and overwhelming system with no roadmap—but their unwavering love and determination became his lifeline through both incarceration and reentry. In this powerful episode, this devoted couple opens up about the full journey: supporting their son behind bars, navigating the complexities of the system, and…
Prison is often seen as an ending, but for Jonas Royster , the real transformation began after his release – when deep self-introspection led him to take ownership of his life and turn his lived experience into a powerful force for change. Joining Julia Lazareck, the award-winning author, leadership educator, and CEO of Hood Proverbz shares how reshaping his mindset allowed him to guide…
Incarceration and addiction can tear families apart, but today’s episode is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and second chances. Jacklyn Eva shares her deeply moving journey of navigating her husband’s incarceration and their shared battle with addiction, revealing how they’ve maintained their connection and built a foundation of healing and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for…
The first formerly incarcerated person ever elected to the Nevada Legislature, Assemblymember Jovan Jackson , joins us on Prison the Hidden Sentence. From serving time in prison to serving his community in the State Assembly, Jovan’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and purpose. He opens up about how his lived experience fuels his fight for criminal justice reform, restoring voting…
Prison didn’t stop Mark Wilson from becoming a force for good—it’s where his journey into advocacy and restorative justice began. In Part 2, Mark shares how he used his time behind bars to create programs that empowered others to grow, take responsibility, and prepare for life after release. His work didn’t end when the gates opened—today, he’s a paralegal with the Oregon Justice Resource Center ,…
Incarceration doesn’t just impact the person behind bars—it affects entire families. In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Mark Wilson shares the beginning of his journey through addiction, incarceration, and the ripple effects it had on his loved ones. As he faced the consequences of his actions and the reality of life in prison, Mark began to reflect deeply on the harm he caused and the…
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Natasha Blakely, Training and Engagement Specialist at Project Avary , to explore the impact of incarceration on children and families. Natasha shares her personal journey and the purpose that drives her work supporting youth with incarcerated parents. If you're looking to understand the deeper effects of prison beyond the sentence—and how compassion,…
Incarceration may have ended, but the journey is far from over. In this powerful episode, we continue the story of Jane—now joined by her son, Anthony, who has recently come home after years in prison. Together, they share what life has been like since his release, offering an honest look at the emotional, relational, and practical challenges of reentry. From rebuilding trust to finding a new…